Without support we cannot feed the refugees

rs. Today we had a big discussion about the food. Although the Government promised us support, we still don't know if we get enough food for the refugees in the camp. Therefore we called everybody and tried to explain the situation. If we don't get food supplies from the Government side, the refugees have to look for themselves and we can give them only fresh drinking water and shelter. Our provisions are nearly finished and we need more supplies. We agreed that a delegation of the refugees will go to the DO (District Officer) on Monday to make their case. We will give them the money for the trip to Nakuru town. Let's hope for a good response; otherways I will have to intervene myself. As PS Dr. Nyikal spoke of collaboration on Thursday, we hope for a positive outcome of the problem.

Refugees discuss the problem of food supplies
in front of the Rhein-Valley Hospital

Cholera protection for 5000 people

rs. The delegation of the Government that visited us yesterday also brought us medications to protect the population against cholera. So far we could give the pills to 5000 people that should protect them for the duration of about one week. Again, there were lines of people in front of the hospital and we served them out of the window so that only ill patients had to go inside. In Kasambara the cholera situation improved a bit although we still have to be cautious. One news item was still alarming: in the General Hospital one nurse got infected after she treated cholera patients. Fortunately we were very cautious at the Rhein-Valley Hospital and reacted immediately after the first cholera cases with masks for the staff, gloves and boots.

Government promises support in the future

rs. Today we had the visit of several Government officials in connection with the cholera outbreak, that we realized a couple of days ago and which we also immediately reported to the Health Ministry. Among the guests were the Secretary of the Parliament Dr. James Nyikal as well as Dr. John Odondi of the Province Ministry of Health and Dr. Nyakiba, the District Minister of Health. Our two doctors Wanjara and John proudly showed them our hospital and all guests were very impressed with what they saw and with what we have done for our patients, our staff and the refugees in the camp. Dr. Nyikal thanked as many times and promised full support of the Government in the future. The above picture shows Mr. Nyikal greeting Ruth Schäfer, director of the Rhein-Valley Hospital at the end of today's meeting.

Cholera: 100 cases and 10 deaths

rs. In the regions of Naivasha, Kasambara, Escharira and Nakuru the cholera has broken out. Now the Ministry of Health seems to wake up after 10 people died and 100 cases were noted. Last week we already informed the authorities about the situation but they didn't react. Today they visited our place and tomorrow more officials from the water and health department will come to discuss what has to be done. The Government always speaks of collaboration. We hope that finally we can work together and also get proper help.

Refugees get their medications in the Rhein-Valley Hospital

Visiting the Nakuru Press

rs. Early this morning I drove to the industrial district of Nakuru and went to the Nakuru Press, where all our printed patient cards are being printed. I was not allowed to take any pictures inside the building. Jakob, one of the workers helped me bringing the package to the car. Then, I realized that I have forgotten my disk with the file. I took the chance to ask if they would also produce receipt books and I gave an order of 100 pieces, to be finished next week. I was speaking with the workers ouside when suddenly the director came. He is an Indian man. The white people born here in Kenya are not so easy to understand. They have quite a different mentality. A strong resentment against the black is often to be felt.

Our big cleaning day

rs. Today we had a major cleaning day. All the mattresses were take out of the hospital and the blankets and pillows were disinfected. The toilets and washrooms were especially cleaned. Six refugee men helped us the hole day, all together we were a crew of 14 workers. After a short lunch break we continued in the afternoon and I took out my hot steam cleaner for the mattresses. At 5 pm everybody was happy that the duties were done. And when I drove home, a big rainfall started. The weather changes as quickly as some of our people change their mind...

The first tooth

rs. This young camp habitant got his first tooth. This Sunday is quiet as usual. The refugees take their time to clean everything and to go to church. By the way there are five different churches here. Most of the refugees are happy with the life in the camp and adopted well all the rules and regulations although for many of them it is quite a challenge considering their past life in the bushes.